[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] On the 26th (local time), the United States condemned North Korea's missile launch test while reaffirming its existing stance of seeking a resolution through diplomacy.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State said to domestic media on the day, "The United States condemns North Korea's ballistic missile launches."
The spokesperson pointed out, "Along with six other ballistic missile launches earlier this month, this test violates multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions and poses a threat to North Korea's neighboring countries and the international community."
However, the spokesperson added, "We remain committed to a diplomatic approach with North Korea and urge North Korea to engage in dialogue," and stated, "Our commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan remains ironclad."
This position of the United States is consistent with the stance it has taken each time North Korea has conducted missile tests this year.
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees U.S. Forces Korea, also expressed the same position as during previous North Korean ballistic missile tests.
In a statement, the command said, "We are aware of the ballistic missile launch and are closely consulting with our allies and partners."
It continued, "While we assess that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory, or allies, the recent series of ballistic missile tests highlights the destabilizing impact of North Korea's illicit weapons programs."
It added, "The United States' commitment to the defense of South Korea and Japan remains ironclad."
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